Proximate Causes Definition Courses

Proximate cause is a legal concept traditionally used in tort law that describes the legal responsibility for a harmful act or injury. Proximate cause is considered to be the direct cause of an event or injury and must occur prior to the injury or event in question. The cause must be a substantial factor in bringing about the injury or event and must be something that a reasonable person would anticipate to have such consequences. To qualify as a proximate cause, the harm or injury must be something that could not have been prevented by the actions of a reasonable person. Proximate cause is often used in tort law to determine fault or negligence of an individual or entity and establish liability to pay damages.